EC seeks removal of controversial lines from Babul Supriyo's song

Kolkata: The Election Commission wrote to state BJP on Thursday, instructing its leaders to remove some controversial lines from its theme song sung by their Asansol MP Babul Supriyo.

The commission has categorically stated that it would give the permission to officially launch the theme song if Supriyo makes the necessary rectifications as instructed by the commission.

Trinamool Congress leaders had moved to the commission immediately after the release of the song. The theme song of BJP allegedly contains subtle criticism against Trinamool Congress and its supremo Mamata Banerjee.

After the matter was brought to the notice of the commission, it sought a clarification from Supriyo. The officials of the commission were, however, not convinced by the reply of the Asansol MP in this regard.

Amidst the controversy, the state BJP leaders wrote a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in the state a couple of days ago, seeking permission for the official release of their theme song. It may be mentioned that Supriyo is contesting elections from the Asansol seat for the second time.

After going through the song, the commission has finally asked the BJP leaders to remove some lines from Supriyo's song which have been identified as 'derogatory in nature' and then submit it to the commission's office.

The election officials will again check to see if the rectified version of the song carries any further derogatory statement, before finally giving a go-ahead to the party for its release.

It may be mentioned here that the Asansol MP has told the commission in his clarification that he did not release the theme song of his party and hence it does not fall under the purview of the commission. But it was alleged by Trinamool Congress that the song had gone viral on various social media platforms. Supriyo had not obtained any prior permission from the Election Commission to sing a theme song for his party.

According to a senior official at the CEO's office, after the election notification, it is mandatory to get permission from the commission before releasing a theme song, which is advertorial in nature.